--- title: How common is PMS among female medical students and how does it affect their quality of life? description: About one in three female medical students had PMS, and those with it reported higher stress and lower satisfaction with their studies compared to those witho url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-and-its-impact-on-the-quality-of-life-among-female-medical-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common is PMS among female medical students and how does it affect their quality of life? Survey study, 2024 # How common is PMS among female medical students and how does it affect their quality of life? About one in three female medical students had PMS, and those with it reported higher stress and lower satisfaction with their studies compared to those without. This is one survey of one university in Saudi Arabia, so we cannot be sure it applies to all medical students. Early or limited evidence 264 female medical students at King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia ## What they did The researchers surveyed 264 female medical students at King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia. They asked about menstrual patterns, PMS symptoms, and how their studies and stress levels were affected. ## What they found 34.8% of students had PMS. Students in clinical years were more likely to have PMS (40% vs. 29% in pre-clinical years). Students with introverted personalities were more likely to have PMS (43.5%). The most common symptoms were depressive effect, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. Students with PMS reported higher impact on study and career satisfaction (28.3% vs. 20.3% without PMS) and higher stress (57.6% vs. 37.8% without PMS). ## What it means for you PMS is fairly common among female medical students and gets worse as they progress through their studies. This study only surveyed one university and did not include a control group, so we cannot prove that PMS causes these problems. Results may differ in other countries or universities. 34.8% PMS prevalence 40% vs 29% PMS in clinical vs pre-clinical years 57.6% vs 37.8% Stress impact with vs without PMS ## About the study Original title Premenstrual syndrome and its impact on the quality of life among female medical students at King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia Authors Rasmah Alharajin, Rana M Alhussain, Zinab Bohulaigah et al. Journal Saudi Medical Horizons Journal Year 2024 Study design Survey study Participants 264 What was tested Observational study, no intervention tested Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v4i3.108](https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v4i3.108) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects many women, impacting daily activities and potentially hindering academic performance. Female students, in particular, may experience exacerbated effects due to neglecting symptoms. This study investigated the prevalence of PMS and its association with factors influencing female medical students' quality of life (QoL) at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey distributed to 264 students assessed demographics, family background, menstrual characteristics, PMS symptoms, and study-related QoL. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: PMS prevalence was 34.8% (92/264). Students in clinical years (40% vs. 29% in pre-clinical) and with introverted personalities (43.5%) were more likely to experience PMS. The most commonly reported symptoms were depressive effect, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability (all 100%). Students with PMS reported a higher impact on study-career satisfaction (28.3% vs. 20.3% without) and stress levels (57.6% vs. 37.8% without). Conclusion: This study suggests a significant prevalence of PMS (34.8%) among female medical students. An association was found between PMS, year of study, personality type, and specific aspects of study-related QoL, particularly impacting study-career satisfaction and stress. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2026 Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health? Survey study, 2025 How common are PMS and painful periods among female medical students in Saudi Arabia, and what causes them? Survey study, 2025 What affects sleep quality in nursing students? Randomised trial, 2024 Can stress inoculation training reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in students with PMS? 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